1

ACTION PLAN FOR

REJUVENATION OF POLLUTED

STRETCH (MANNAR - THAKAZHY)

OF RIVER PAMBA

(PRIORITY IV)

Submitted by District Level Technical Committee

( Pathanamthitta District) Before the River Rejuvenation Committee

(As per G.O (Ms) No.12/2019/WRD Dated 30.04.2019)

2

As per G.O (Ms) No.12/2019/WRD Dated 30.04.2019, A District Level

Technical Committee (Pathanamthitta District) was constituted for

preparing Draft Action Plan for the Rejuvenation of polluted river

stretches. The polluted stretch is Mannar to Thakazhy of Pamba River.

The members of the committee are as follows:

1. The Superintending Engineer, Irrigation Department : Chairperson

2. The Superintending Engineer, Kerala Water Authority : Member

3. The Environmental Engineer, District Office, Kerala State Pollution

Control Board : Member & Convenor

4. The District Co- ordinator, District Suchitwa Mission : Member

5. The General Manager, Industries Department : Member

6. Additional District Magistrate, representing the Revenue Department and nominated by District Collector : Member

The Kerala State Pollution Control Board has been doing the analysis of Pamba River water for the last several years. The analysis report clearly indicate that the B.O.D value has never been more than 3.0mg/l from the year 2016 onwards. However the Dissolved Oxygen levels were found to be less than 5mg/l and the fecal coliform bacteria is more than 500CFU on many occasions. The analysis report for the period 2016 to 2018 is attached as Annexure-1.

3

The Action Plan for the polluted stretch Mannar to Thakazhy has been

prepared after conducting joint site inspection and after detailed

deliberations.

Dated this the 22nd day of July, 2019.

Member & Convener Chairman

Environmental Engineer Executive Engineer Kerala State Pollution Control Board Minor Irrigation

4

CONTENTS

Sl.No Contents Page No.

1 Executive Summary 5 - 18

2 Chapter-1 Introduction 19 - 20

3 Chapter-2 Mannar to Thakazhy stretch 21 - 36

4 Action Plan 37 - 42

5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The river Pamba rises at an altitude of 1,650m (5,410 ft) on the Peerumedu

Plateau in the Idukki district of Kerala. After traversing a distance of 176km

(109 mi), the river joins the Arabian Sea through a number of channels. The basin

extends over an area of 2,235 square km (863 sq mi) with the entire catchment

area within Kerala state. The basin is bounded on the east by Western Ghats and

on the west by Arabian Sea. The River Pamba enriches the lands of

Pathanamthitta District and the Kuttanad area of Alappuzha District and few

areas of Kottayam. The Pamba originates at Pulachimalai hill in the Peerumedu

plateau in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1,650 m (5,410 ft).

As per the list of polluted stretched submitted by CPCB in September, 2018,

Pamba River in the stretch Mannar to Thakazhy has been identified as polluted

stretch. It has been categorised as Priority IV polluted stretch since BOD value

was observed in the range 3.3 to 7.8. As per the results of monthly monitoring

from District Office of the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, District Office,

Pathanamthitta, the B.O.D value has never been more than 3.0mg/l from the year

2016 onwards. However the Dissolved Oxygen levels were found to be less than

5mg/l and the fecal coliform bacteria is more than 500CFU on many occasions.

6

DRAINS DISCHARGING POLLUTED WATER INTO THE

MANNAR-THAKAZHY STRETCH OF PAMBA RIVER AND THEIR

POLLUTION LOAD.

Sl. n o

Name of the drain

Latitude/ Longitud e

Flow Rate (cumecs)

BOD (mg/l)

COD (mg/l )

Pollution load in terms of BOD(kg/day)

TC(CFU/100 ml)

1 Parumala Drain (Near Parumala seminary L.P School

9019’33’’

76032’9’’

0.053 120 320 0.549 3900

2 Mannar Town Drain (Town upstream)

9019’27’’

76032’00’ ’

0.93 60 192 4.821 3100

3 Kuriyathukadavu - Kuriyath Thodu

9019’37’’

76031’26’ ’

0.011 2.3 25.6 0.002 2600

4 Karuvelil Thodu (near Mannath Road)

9019’42’’

76031’7’’

0.63 1.8 22.4 0.098 2200

5 Nochithodu 9019’33’’

76030’24’ ’

2.408 2.4 19.2 0.499 1900

6 Pattaparambil Thodu

9019’28’’

76030’1’’

0.42 1.8 9.6 0.065 2400

7

7 Kappiyarisse ry Thodu

9019’37’’

76029’45’’

0.72 2.5 9.6 0.155 1300

8 Kombamkeri (near St Thomas High School, Niranam West)

9019’47’’

76029’20’’

2.64 2.1 16 0.479 1100

9 Perackal Thodu, Niranam

9019’45’’

76028’42’’

0.25 1.7 3.2 0.037 2300

10 Era Thodu 9019’49’’

76028’28’’

0.15 1.9 19.2 0.025 1900

11 Kolarayaru 9020’31’’

76032’11’’

0.42 0.7 6.4 0.025 500

8

LOCATION OF THE IDENTFIED DRAINS JOINING THE PAMBA RIVER

Mannar to Thakazhy stretch

Location of Kombamkeri and Era Thodu

9

Kappiyarissery Thodu joining Pamba River

Karuvelil Thodu joining Pamba River

10

Kuriyathodu joining Pamba River

Nochi Thodu joining Pamba River

11

Pattaparambil Thodu joining Pamba

Perackal Thodu joining Pamba

12

Kolarayaru

Drainage from Mannar Town to Pamba

13

ACTION PLAN

Sl. no

Ref Para no.48 item no.

as per NGT Order no 673/2018

dated20.9.2018

Activity Implementing Agency

Estimated Expenditure

in lakhs

Source of fund

Time line Expected outcome

1 A(a) No industries - - - - -

2 A(a) Monitoring of river water quality

Kerala State Pollution

Control Board

1 Kerala State Pollution

Control Board NWMP fund

Continuing project

Regular water quality assessment

3 C(ii) Establishment of Mannar 30 Plan/ Tentatively 2020-21

Better Solid Waste de-centralized solid Panchayat, Central/ Management (SWM) reduce

waste treatment Kadapra/ State funds the river pollution due to facility Niranam solid waste dumping

Panchayat

4 C Establishment of Mannar 10 Own/ Tentatively 2020-21

Better Solid Waste

Material collection Panchayat, Central/ Management (SWM) reduce

Facility ( Solid Waste

Management)

Kadapra/ Niranam

Panchayat

State funds the river pollution due to solid waste dumping

5 C Resource recovery Mannar 8 Own/ Tentatively 2020-21

Better Solid Waste

facility ( Solid Panchayat, Central/ Management (SWM) reduce

Waste Management)

Kadapra/ Niranam

Panchayat

State funds the river pollution due to solid waste dumping

6 C Installing house Mannar 80 Own/ Tentatively 2020-21

Better Solid Waste

hold and Panchayat Central/ Management (SWM) reduce

community level

solid waste

State funds the river pollution due to solid waste dumping

management

units

14

7 C Door to Door Collection and Transportation of MSW

Mannar Panchayat

10 User fee / Viability Gap Fund

Tentatively 202-2021

Better Solid Waste Management (SWM) reduce the river pollution due to solid waste dumping

8 E 1. A Squad including Police Officers from Mannar and Pulikkezhu Policestation and public workers is created for preventing pollution of Pamba river 2. Panchayat committee has taken decision to install CC TV Camera on the bank of river. 3. Information for preventing the pollution of River Pamba has been circulated.

Mannar Panchayat

48,000 Own fund 2019 Reduction of river pollution

9 E 1.A Squad including Police Officers from Edathua and Ambalappuzha Policestation and certain public is created

Thakazhi Panchayat

2 Lakhs Plan Fund 2019 Reduction of river pollution

15

for preventing pollution of Pamba River. 2.Panchayat committee has taken decision to install CC TV Camera on the bank of River

10 E Citizen Information Boards

Cheruthana Panchayat

3.98 Lakhs CFC 2019 Reduction of river pollution

11 C Construction of compound wall with fencing

Irrigation department

135.00 To be found Tentatively 2020-21

Reduce the Tendency of people in throwing waste in to the river

12 C Removing light jungle and muddies from river courses

Irrigation department

100.00 To be found Tentatively 2020-21

Maintain better flow of river and self -cleansing

13 C Electrical-Light arrangements and Surveillance cameras

LSGD 50.00 To be found Tentatively 2020-21

Reduce the tendency of people in throwing waste in to the river

16

14 C Regualting Irrigation Government Regualting activites in

activites in flood department constituted a Tentatively flood plain zone, plain zone, river basin 2020-21 protection and protection and conservation management of flood management of and plain zone flood plain zone managemen

t authority

and a

committee

constituted

for drafting

river basin

conservation

act

15 Greenery Irrigation 100.00 State Fund Tentatively Ecofriendly approach will development- department 2020-21 create a positive attitude Plantation plan. in public. Plantation on both sides of the river, setting up biodiversity parks on flood plains by removing encroachment

17

16 C (b) (ii)

Green Protocol implementation in all Offices institution & Public function

Mannar , Kadapra/

Niranam

Panchayat

Panchayat

5 State Plan fund Suchithwa mission

Tentatively 2019-2021

Reduce solid waste generation in Municipality

17 D(a) Issues relating to E-flow, maintaining minimum environmental flow of river(by having watershed management provisions)

Irrigation department

50.00 State fund Tentatively 2020-21

Government constituted a river basin conservation and management authority and a committee constituted for drafting river basin conservation act

18 D (b) Irrigation practices

Irrigation department

2500.00 State fund Tentatively 2020-21

Community micro irrigation and Participatory irrigation management

19 E Awareness programmes for sections of public

Kerala State Pollution Control Board

1.0 Plan Scheme, Suchithwa mission, IEC fund

2019 Awareness of statutory provision of deterrent to pollution

20 C Management of municipal, plastic Hazardous, Bio medical, and electrical waste

LSGD 50.00 To be funded

-do- Better solid waste management (SWM) reduce the river pollution due to solid waste Dumping

21

E Maintanance of bathing ghat

Irrigation department

22.00 Government fund

Within 1 year

18

ACTION BY GROUND WATER DEPARTMENT

Sl. No

Ref para item nos as per NGT Order no.673/2018 dated 20.09.2018

Activity Ground Water Department

1 B(i) Ground Water resources and regulation of ground water extraction by industries particularly in over exploited as critical zones/blocks

The stretch Mannar- Thakazhy falls under the Pulikeezhu Block. The net ground water availability of this block is 2394.53 Hectare-m. The extraction rate is 42.6%. There are only micro or small scale industries in the area. It is a safe block. No regulation is necessary at present.

2 B(ii) Ground water recharging / rain water harvesting

The Ground Water Department has not yet implemented recharge schemes in this block as this is considered safe zone. There is proposal in future in this regard.

3 B(iii) Periodic ground waste quality assessment and remedial actions in case of contaminated ground water tube wells/bore wells or hand pumps

The quality of ground water is very good in the area as per the Central Groundwater Board. They have two monitoring wells in the area.

4 B(iv) For regulating use of ground water for irrigation purpose, adopting good irrigation practices

The total irrigation draft in the area ranges from 785 - 1700 ha.m.

19

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Central Pollution Control board (CPCB) is monitoring the water quality of aquatic resources all over the country at 3500 locations in 29 States and 6 Union Territories under National Water Monitoring Programme. The present monitoring network covers 2541 locations on the surface water and 989 on Wells (ground water). Water samples are being analyzed for 28 parameters consisting of physicochemical and bacteriological parameters for ambient water samples apart from the field observations. Besides this, 9 trace metals and 15 pesticides are analyzed in selected samples. Bio-monitoring is also carried out on specific locations.

OBJECTIVES OF WATER QUALITY MONITORING UNDER NWMP

Rational planning of pollution control strategies and their prioritization;

To assess nature and extent of pollution control needed in different water bodies or their part; Assimilative capacity of a water body thereby reducing cost on pollution control;

The fitness of water for different uses;

To evaluate effectiveness of pollution control measures already is existence;

Water quality trend over a period of time;

To understand the environmental fate of different pollutants

The water quality monitoring results obtained during the years indicate that the organic and bacterial contamination continue to be critical in water bodies. This is mainly due to discharge of domestic wastewater mostly in untreated form from the urban centres of the country. The municipal corporations and other urban local bodies at large are not able to treat increasing load of municipal sewage flowing into water bodies without treatment. Secondly the receiving water bodies also do not have adequate water for dilution. Therefore, the oxygen demand and bacterial pollution is increasing day by day. This is mainly responsible for water borne diseases. The water quality monitoring results were analysed with respect to indicator of oxygen consuming substances (Bio-chemical demand or BOD) and indicator of pathogenic bacteria (total coliform and faecal coliform).

20

IDENTIFICATION OF POLLUTED RIVER STRETCHES

The water quality data under National Water Quality Monitoring Programme for the year 2016 and 2017 is analysed statistically and monitoring locations exceeding the water quality criteria are identified as polluted. The polluted locations in a continuous sequence are defined as polluted river stretches and categorised in five priority classes based on BOD concentration exceeding to BOD levels >30 mg/l, BOD between 20&30 mg/l, BOD between 10&20mg/l, BOD between 6-10 mg/l and BOD between 3& 6 mg/l.

1.2 NGT ORDER ABOUT RIVER POLLUTED STRETCH

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) passed a landmark order on 20 September 2018 pertaining to increasing polluted river stretches in the country (NGT 2018). It ordered all states and union territories to prepare action plans within two months to improve the quality of polluted river stretches to ―at least bathing purpose‖ within six months of the finalisation of the plans. The NGT observed that the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) have failed to check pollution. The tribunal distinctly stated that the chief secretary of each state and the administrator of each union territory will be responsible for preparation of the action plan. The NGT took suo-moto cognizance of a report published in the Hindu on 17

September 2018. The report was based on a study done by the Central Pollution

Control Board (CPCB) for identifying polluted river stretches in the country (CPCB

2018). Similar studies were conducted by the CPCB in 2012 and 2015 (CPCB 2012,

2015). The 2018 study observed that the number of polluted stretches in the

country was 351, an increase from 302 in 2015 and 150 in 2012. The 2018 data

highlights that there are 45 river stretches attracting Priority I (Biochemical

Oxygen Demand (BOD) value ≥ 30 mg/l) for restoration. Out these, five are in

Gujarat, nine in Maharashtra and four in Tamil Nadu—the three most

industrialised states in the country.

21

CHAPTER 2

MANNAR- THAKAZHY STRETCH OF PAMBA RIVER

The river Pamba rises at an altitude of 1,650 m (5,410 ft) on the Peerumadu

Plateau in the Idukki district of Kerala. After traversing a distance of 176km

(109 mi), the river joins the Arabian Sea through a number of channels. It flows

through Ranni, Chengannoor, Kuttanadu, Ambalapuzha and finally merges in

Vembanad Lake. Study area comprises of river stretch of Pamba from the region

Mannar to Thakazhy. The study area comes under the4th priority category of

polluted river stretch classified by the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal. The river

monitoring stations of Pamba as part of National Water Quality Monitoring

Programme are located at Pamba down in Parumala, Chengannur Town and Near

Thakazhy bridge. River stretch in between Pannayikadavu (down in Parumala)

and Near Thakazhy bridge are selected for the study purpose. Pamba crosses the

parts of Kadapra village of Pathanamthitta, Mannar village, Pavookkara, Thevary,

Melppadom, Veeyapuram Village, Cheruthana Village of Alappuzha district in

between Mannar to Thakazhy.

Map showing the river flow in the Mannar- Thakazhy stretch

22

As per the results of monthly monitoring from District Office of the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, District Office, Pathanamthitta, the B.O.D value has never been more than 3.0mg/l from the year 2016 onwards. However the Dissolved Oxygen levels were found to be less than 5mg/l and the fecal coliform bacteria is more than 500CFU on many occasions.

Monthly sampling is done at Mannar and Edathua. Sampling at Mannar is done only during the Sabarimala festival period from November 15th to January 20th. During this period lakh of pilgrims visit the shrine at Sabarimala after taking dip in Pamba River. However the Mannar- Thakazhy stretch is located at the downstream area of the Pamba River while Sabarimala is located in the upstream area. Edathua is not located in this stretch. The dissolved oxygen level in this stretch is low because of stagnation as the river is near to the final discharge into Vembanadu Lake. The coliform count in the area is however high. There are no medium or large scale industries located in the catchment area of this stretch. But there are number of micro level white and green category industries like cement hollow brick units, soda factories etc in this area. The board has not noticed direct discharge from industries into this stretch. Mannar is the only town located in this stretch. It has a population of 7076. Hotels and other commercial establishments discharge untreated or partially treated waste water into the storm water drains which reaches the river. It is observed that several residences located on the banks of the river also discharge sewage into the river. Septic tank facility and Septage Treatment Facility are to be provided by Local Bodies.

Photo of residence located on the bank of the river with discharges into the river.

23

Google image of Pamba River flowing through Mannar Town

During the inspection on 30.11.2018, it was identified that one bar hotel, namely Hotel Maharaja Palace was directly discharging the waste water into public drain bypassing the Effluent Treatment Plant. Other hotels like Rajan Hotel and Lodging, Parumala Junction, Mannar P O and Sajood Hotel , Parumala Junction, Mannar P O had only screening facility and the waste water after screening was discharged into the public drain. Also identified an automobile service station (M/s.Chettanapally Service Station, Parumala Junction, Mannar) which was discharging wash water without adequate treatment. There is a specialty hospital located in Parumala adjacent to Mannaar Town (St.Gregorious Memorial International Hospital). It has an effluent treatment and seems working satisfactorily. But the possibility of discharge of waste water into the unused agricultural field cannot be ruled out. Hence strict monitoring is required. This can be achieved by frequent inspections by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board officials.

Quantification of waste generation in Mannar Town It is observed that the Mannar Grama Panchayat do not have a public market. But some areas near the Private Bus Stand is used as way side shops to sell fish and meat. Fruits and vegetables are also sold through way side shops. On discussion with the Panchayat authority it is understood that around 1.5 tonnes of solid waste is generated per day. There is no solid waste processing centre. Plastic waste is occasionally collected by Kudumbasree workers and transported to block collection centers. Small scale de-centralized solid waste processing facility like Thumboormoozhy type aerobic composting is essential in Mannar town.

24

Fig 3. 2 Photo of Thumboormoozhy type aerobic composting unit

Also the town do not have any septage treatment facilities. The Panchayat claims that the residential buildings located on the river banks have septic tank and soak pit facilities. But it is highly possible that the overflow from these may flow into the river.

Thakazhy is a small village with population of 15951. There are no hospitals in the village. The village is comprised of several hectares of paddy fields. But cultivation is seldom done these days.

Pamba River flowing through Thakazhy

25

ANALYSIS REPORT OF PAMBA RIVER AT THAKAZHI & EDATHUA DURING 2016

Station

Month

Temperature

(◦C)

pH

conductivit

y (µS/cm)

DO

(mg/L)

BOD

(mg/L)

TC

(CFU/

100 mL)

FC

(CFU/

100 mL)

Thakazhi

January

28 6.1 65.6 2.6 2.3 2680 2400

Edathua 28 6.3 64.2 2.7 2 2240 2040

Thakazhi

February

28 7.7 793.8 3.9 0.4 810 540

Edathua 29 7.9 59.78 1.3 0.5 840 570

Thakazhi

March

35 6.3 63.2 5.5 0.7 700 550

Edathua 32 6.1 50.1 2.4 2 820 530

Thakazhi

April

32 6.9 62.82 4.1 1.9 640 320

Edathua 30 7 50.38 5.2 1 680 340

Thakazhi

May

26 6.1 62.2 1.6 2.8 590 310

Edathua 27 6.52 52.53 1.3 2.9 680 360

Thakazhi

June

27 6.4 85.3 3.7 1.7 520 330

Edathua 27 6.9 63.41 3 1.9 600 380

Thakazhi

July

27 6.6 60.33 5.7 1 470 230

Edathua 28 6.7 52.96 4.7 1.3 580 390

Thakazhi

August

26 67 56.82 6.4 1.3 590 260

Edathua 26 6.9 43.2 6.6 1.2 600 280

Thakazhi

September

28 6.5 51.69 4.9 0.3 590 220

Edathua 28 6.6 44.89 4.9 0.2 540 190

Thakazhi

October

28 6.6 53.9 6.7 0.9 610 280

Edathua 29 6.8 46.3 6.9 0.8 630 290

Thakazhi

November

30 6.7 60.2 2.7 1.6 1720 1680

Edathua 30 6.5 62.2 2.3 1.9 2100 1910

Thakazhi

December

32 6.5 64.78 6.2 0.4 1970 1850

Edathua 30 6.5 63.2 3.4 1.1 1780 1590

26

ANALYSIS REPORT OF PAMBA RIVER AT THAKAZHI & EDATHUA DURING 2017

Station

Month

Temperature

(◦C)

pH

conductivity

(µS/cm)

DO

(mg/L)

BOD

(mg/L)

TC

(CFU/

100

mL)

FC

(CFU/

100

mL)

Thakazhi January

28 6.5 56 7 0.2 2210 2070

Edathua 29 6.3 58.74 6.7 0.7 1900 1770

Thakazhi

February

30 6.6 58.6 6.9 1.2 820 690

Edathua 29 6.4 46.2 6 0.8 830 710

Thakazhi

March

28 6.2 44.8 5.9 0.9 730 610

Edathua 28 6.1 54.4 6.3 0.8 810 700

Thakazhi

April

29 6.5 48.2 5.8 0.3 650 540

Edathua 29 6.3 56.4 6.2 0.2 800 670

Thakazhi

May

28 6 64.6 6.1 0.4 650 360

Edathua 28 6.1 52.2 6 0.3 690 380

Thakazhi June

30 6.3 56 1.3 1.3 540 450

Edathua 30 6.1 64.74 5.9 0.5 630 520

Thakazhi

July

28 6.6 54 4.7 1.2 580 460

Edathua 27 6.2 66.8 5.9 1.4 640 510

Thakazhi

August

28 6.4 58 5.2 1 560 440

Edathua 28 6.3 62 6.2 0.7 590 460

Thakazhi

September

27 6.5 54 6 1.2 530 400

Edathua 27 6.6 58 6.6 1 520 380

Thakazhi

October

28 6.3 62.88 4.4 0.7 700 390

Edathua 28 6.3 58.54 4.8 0.5 1100 920

Thakazhi

November

29 6.5 66.85 3.4 1 1560 1430

Edathua 29 6.4 72.81 3.2 1.1 1720 1540

Thakazhi

December

27 6.8 66.55 4.9 0.4 1980 1830

Edathua 27 6.9 66.97 3.5 1.9 1970 1810

27

ANALYSIS REPORT OF PAMBA RIVER AT THAKAZHI & EDATHUA DURING 2018

Station

Month

Temperature

(◦C)

pH

conductivity

(µS/cm)

DO

(mg/L)

BOD

(mg/L)

TC

(CFU/

100

mL)

FC (CFU/

100 mL)

Thakazhi

January

28

6.7

180

4.8

0.9

2000

1900

Edathua 28 6.9 58.9 4.4 0.8 1980 1820

Thakazhi

February

28

7

55

6.1

0.2

990

850

Edathua 28 6.8 60.5 4.2 0.2 960 830

Thakazhi

March

29

6.6

880

6

0.8

810

700

Edathua

29

6.6

38.63

7

1

790

680

Thakazhi

April

29

6.5

175

4.9

1.1

890

780

Edathua

29

6.7

73.6

3.8

2.1

850

720

Thakazhi

May

30

7.2

108

3.6

1

790

590

Edathua

30

7

55.51

5.5

0.8

780

570

Thakazhi

June

27

7.1

68.17

2.8

1.6

640

520

Edathua

27

7

50.61

4.8

0.9

650

480

Thakazhi

July

25

7

52.3

4.3

1

540

440

Edathua

26

7

42.6

5.4

0.1

580

450

Thakazhi

August

27

5.8

79.3

6.1

1.7

3650

2990

Edathua

27

5.9

85.1

6

1.6

3500

2740

Thakazhi

September

26

6.3

60.73

6.1

1.9

1900

1000

Edathua

26

6.3

51.15

4.3

1.3

1770

980

Thakazhi

October

26

6.8

70.7

6.1

0.4

1300

1000

Edathua 26 6.9 55.23 4.3 0.7 1570 1100

28

ANALYSIS REPORT OF PAMBA RIVER AT MANNAR (SABARIMALA FESTIVAL

PERIOD) 2016-2018

Weekly Pamba River Monitoring

Station Date Temp PH Conductivity DO BOD TC FC

Mannar

07.01.2016 29 5.9 62.5 2.4 2.1 2450 2150

13.01.2016 28 5.8 62.2 2.7 2.2 2460 2140

19.01.2016 29 5.8 60.4 2.8 2 2500 2160

19.11.2016 30 6.2 66.8 2.7 0.2 2200 2130

24.11.2016 32 6.3 45.48 5.5 0.4 2030 1900

03.12.2016 30 6.5 68.5 4.5 1.2 2230 2180

08.12.2016 29 6.2 46.02 6.4 0.3 3400 1260

16.12.2016 30 6.7 51.03 5.9 0.7 3530 3370

23.12.2016 31 6.5 44.92 6 0.1 2530 2350

30.12.2016 29 6.1 68.2 6.9 0.6 2580 2460

07.01.2017 29 6.5 48.83 6.8 0.7 2280 2170

13.01.2017 29 6.3 42 6.5 0.3 2240 2110

20.01.2017 29 6.2 47 6.5 0.1 2170 2060

17.11.2017 29 6.2 50 4.7 1 1780 1590

24.11.2017 29 6.3 69.81 2 1.3 2150 2010

29.11.2017 26 6.7 73.12 2.5 1.7 2190 2030

08.12.2017 27 6.7 62.2 2 1.1 2200 2100

16.12.2017 27 6.3 45.32 6 0.7 1800 1760

23.12.2017 27 7 52.02 5.5 0.4 1990 1880

28.12.2017 29 7.3 66.76 3.2 1.1 1980 1890

06.01.2018 28 6.5 51.36 5.8 0.9 1960 1820

11.01.2018 29 6.5 49.93 5 1 1980 1840

17.01.2018 28 6.5 48.83 4.1 0.4 1840 1710

29

CHAPTER3

ACTION PLAN FOR MANNAR- THAKAZHY STRETCH OF PAMBA RIVER

DISTRICT LEVEL TECHNICAL COMMITTEE FOR REJUVENATION OF POLLUTED STRETCHES

Based on the orders of the Hon‘ble national Green tribunal (NGT) and other related documents, Government of Kerala, vide G.O.(Ms) No.12/2019/WRD dated 30-04-2019, constituted a District Level Committee for preparing an action plan for rejuvenation of polluted stretches in each district. The Committee in Pathanamthitta District is constituted as follows.

1.The Executive Engineer, Minor Irrigation Department : Chairperson 2.The Superintending Engineer, Kerala Water Authority : Member 3. The Environmental Engineer, District Office, Kerala State Pollution Control

Board : Member & Convenor 4. The District Co- ordinator, District Suchitwa Mission : Member 5.The General Manager, Industries Department : Member 6.Additional District Magistrate , representing the Revenue Department

and nominated by District Collector : Member

CONSTITUTION OF THE DISTRICT LEVEL TECHNICAL COMMITTEE There was delay in constitution of the Committee as the Board had requested for exempting the Mannar- Thakazhy stretch of Pamba River from preparing action plan as the BOD was less than 3.0mg/l. The committee was constituted on 16.07.2019. The committee conducted joint inspection on 17.07.2019. The drains joining the polluted stretch were identified, its water tested and the velocity and cross sectional area was determined. The flow in the drains was determined. Based on the analysis reports, the B.O.D load was assessed.

FIELD VISIT AND FINDINGS

In this stretch, Mannar is the only town. Twelve drains were identified to be flowing into the Pamba River. Of these two, namely the Parumala storm water drain flowing near Parumala Seminary L.P School and that flowing through Mannar town are manmade storm water drains. The other 9 ones are natural thodu(drain). They vary in width from 2.3m to 13.5m. Of these three drains, namely the Karvelil Thodu, Nochithodu and Pattaparambil Thodu were seen to be

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carrying polluted water. This is observed to be due to discharge of domestic waste water. The Kolarayaru and Kombamkeri Thodu are the major natural drains in the area. The flow in the drains are small varying from 0.011 cumecs(cubic metre per second) to 2.64 cusecs.

DRAINS DISCHARGING WATER INTO THE RIVER AND ITS POLLUTION LOAD

Sl. n o

Name of the drain

Latitude/ Longitude

Flow Rate (cumecs)

BOD (mg/l)

COD (mg/l)

Pollution load in terms of BOD(kg/day)

TC(CFU/100 ml)

1 Parumala Drain (Near Parumala seminary L.P School

9019’33’’

76032’9’’

0.053 120 320 0.549 3900

2 Mannar Town Drain (Town upstream)

9019’27’’

76032’00’’

0.93 60 192 4.821 3100

3 Kuriyathuka davu- Kuriyath Thodu

9019’37’’

76031’26’’

0.011 2.3 25.6 0.002 2600

4 Karuvelil Thodu (near Mannath Road)

9019’42’’

76031’7’’

0.63 1.8 22.4 0.098 2200

5 Nochithodu 9019’33’’

76030’24’’

2.408 2.4 19.2 0.499 1900

6 Pattaparamb il Thodu

9019’28’’

76030’1’’

0.42 1.8 9.6 0.065 2400

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7 Kappiyarisse ry Thodu

9019’37’’

76029’45’’

0.72 2.5 9.6 0.155 1300

8 Kombamkeri (near St Thomas High School, Niranam West)

9019’47’’

76029’20’’

2.64 2.1 16 0.479 1100

9 Perackal Thodu, Niranam

9019’45’’

76028’42’’

0.25 1.7 3.2 0.037 2300

10 EraThodu 9019’49’’

76028’28’’

0.15 1.9 19.2 0.025 1900

11 Kolarayaru 9020’31’’

76032’11’’

0.42 0.7 6.4 0.025 500

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LOCATION OF THE IDENTFIED DRAINS JOINING THE PAMBA RIVER

Mannar to Thakazhy stretch

Location of Kombamkeri and Era Thodu

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Kappiyarissery Thodu

Karuvelil Thodu

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Kuriyathodu

Nochi Thodu

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Pattaparambil Thodu

Perackal Thodu

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Kolarayaru

Drainage from Mannar Town

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ACTION PLAN

Sl. no

Ref Para no.48 item no. as per NGT Order no

673/2018 dated20.9.2018

Activity Implement ing Agency

Estimated Expenditure in

lakhs

Source of fund Time line Expected outcome

1 A(a) No industries - - - - -

2 A(a) Monitoring of Kerala 1 Kerala State Continuing Regular water quality

river water State Pollution project assessment quality Pollution Control Board

Control NWMP fund

Board

3 C(ii) Establishment of Mannar 30 Plan/ Tentatively 2020-21

Better Solid Waste de-centralized Panchayat, Central/ Management (SWM)

solid waste Kadapra/ State funds reduce the river treatment facility Niranam pollution due to solid

Panchayat waste dumping

4 C Establishment of Material

Mannar Panchayat,

10 Own/ Central/

Tentatively 2020-21

Better Solid Waste Management (SWM)

collection Kadapra/ State funds reduce the river

Facility ( Solid Niranam pollution due to solid

Waste Panchayat waste dumping

Management)

5 C Resource Mannar 8 Own/ Tentatively 2020-21

Better Solid Waste

recovery facility Panchayat, Central/ Management (SWM)

( Solid Waste Management)

Kadapra/ Niranam

Panchayat

State funds reduce the river pollution due to solid

waste dumping

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6 C Installing house Mannar 80 Own/ Tentatively

2020-21

Better Solid Waste Management (SWM)

reduce the river pollution due to solid

waste dumping

hold and Panchayat Central/

community level State funds

solid waste

management

units

7 C Door to Door Mannar 10 User fee / Tentatively Better Solid Waste Collection and Panchayat Viability Gap 202-2021 Management (SWM) Transportation Fund reduce the river of MSW pollution due to solid

waste dumping

8 E 1. A Squad including Police Officers from Mannar and Pulikkezhu Policestation and public workers is created for preventing pollution of Pamba river 2. Panchayat committee has taken decision to install CC TV Camera on the

Mannar Panchayat

48,000 Own fund 2019 Reduction of river pollution

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bank of river. 3. Information for preventing the pollution of River Pamba has been circulated.

9 E 1.A Squad including Police Officers from Edathua and Ambalappuzha Policestation and certain public is created for preventing pollution of Pamba River. 2.Panchayat committee has taken decision to install CC TV Camera on the bank of River

Thakazhi Panchayat

2 Lakhs Plan Fund 2019 Reduction of river pollution

10 E Citizen Information Boards

Cheruthana Panchayat

3.98 Lakhs CFC 2019 Reduction of river pollution

11 C Construction of compound wall with fencing

Panchayat 135.00 To be found Tentatively 2020-21

Reduce the Tendency of people in throwing waste in to the river

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12 C Removing light Irrigation 100.00 To be found Tentatively Maintain better flow jungle and departme 2020-21 of river and self - muddies from nt cleansing river courses

13 C Electrical-Light Irrigation 50.00 To be found Tentatively Reduce the tendency arrangements departme 2020-21 of people in throwing and Surveillance nt waste in to the river cameras

14 C Regualting Irrigation Government Regualting activites in activites in flood departme constituted a Tentatively flood plain zone, plain zone, nt river basin 2020-21 protection and protection and conservation management of flood management of flood plain zone

and management authority and a committee constituted for drafting river basin conservation act

plain zone

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15 D Greenery Irrigation 100.00 State Fund Tentatively Ecofriendly approach

development- departme 2020-21 will create a positive Plantation plan. nt attitude in public. Plantation on

both sides of the

river, setting up

biodiversity

parks on flood

plains by

removing

encroachment

16 C Green Protocol Mannar , Kadapra/

Niranam

Panchaya

t

Panchayat

5 State Plan Tentatively Reduce solid waste (b) implementation fund 2019-2021 generation in (ii) in all Offices Suchithwa Municipality

institution & mission

Public function

17 D(a) Issues relating Irrigation 50.00 State fund Tentatively Government to E-flow, departme 2020-21 constituted a river maintaining nt basin conservation minimum and management environmental authority and a flow of river(by committee Having watershed management provisions)

constituted for drafting river basin conservation act

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18 D (b) Irrigation practices

Irrigation departme nt

2500.00 State fund Tentatively 2020-21

Community micro irrigation and Participatory irrigation management

19 E Awareness programmes for sections of public

Kerala State Pollution Control Board

1.0 Plan Scheme, Suchithwa mission, IEC fund

2019 Awareness of statutory provision of deterrent to pollution

20 C Management of municipal, plastic Hazardous, Bio medical, and electrical waste

LSGD 50.00 To be funded -do- Better solid waste management (SWM) reduce the river pollution due to solid waste Dumping

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3.7 LONG TERM ACTION - ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW ASSESSMENT AND MECHANISM FOR IMPLEMENTATION

In order to maintain a natural healthy ecosystem in any river basin, the

environmental flows (E Flows) should be maintained. Even though the present

proposal is for the abatement of pollution in a particular stretch of Pamba, the

scientific assessment of E flows requirement of the basin should also be

considered as an important step in the comprehensive rejuvenation of this basin.

It includes the identification of the quantity, quality and distribution of flow

patterns along the length of the river and it provides a balance between the use

and protection of natural water resources for people and biodiversity.

The present stretch is the lowest stretch of the Pamba River. Pollution has to

controlled at the upper stretches in order to minimize pollution in the lower

stretch. All the drains flowing in the upper stretches have to be identified. Then

only a permanent solution is possible.

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